BBR Success story - Janette Thompson

Besties Janette and Nola burst onto the BBR scene last year and have been the talk of the town with their incredible transformations. Most recently, Janette Thompson floored onlookers in the post-challenge photo sessions and we had to hear her story. She has turned her health around with incredible dexa scan results showing the changes go way past skin deep.

If you think 63 is too old to make changes… excuse me, you need to meet Janette. We loved hearing all about her health and fitness journey, her amazing family and just what happened in that dexa scan…

Please tell us about your health and fitness history prior to BBR...

I have always exercised in some form and have a very fit family. My husband is a keen cyclist and has ridden around the world, our eldest son is a professional cyclist and our younger son is a pilot and pro bodybuilder. 

I have been a runner for many years and joined a running group about 15 years ago. I still run with the group but over the years we have gotten a little slower! I have also been a member of several gyms. During one of our lockdowns, I devised a route close to home that included a 4–5km run/walk and some sets of stairs. I gradually increased the sets of stairs until I was doing 1000 stairs each run. My knee decided it wasn’t happy and I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knee. I began doing some rehab with my physio and rediscovered my love of weights. My knee improved and I was able to continue with my running and exercise classes.

Who or what prompted you to sign up to BBR and why was it the right time for you to join?  

We moved to Claremont just over a year ago and I started looking for a local gym. I had heard about BBR but wasn’t sure if it was for me. Was I too old at 63? Was I fit enough? Would I fit in? I tried Pilates and quickly realised it wasn’t really my thing. I was also still visiting the physio once a week, working on my knee strength.

I wanted to continue with the weights but knew I wouldn’t be disciplined enough to do that on my own, so I finally took the plunge and emailed Ryan. After our first chat I wondered why I had waited so long? Ryan was so friendly and encouraging!  We decided I should start with some personal training and he suggested Gene would be a good fit. Gene was so patient. He put up with my chatting but still had me working hard. It wasn’t always easy but I loved it. After about a month, my beautiful friend Nola joined me and we both trained with Gene with the view that we would join the next challenge and our PT with Gene would prepare us for the classes.

How hard was it in the early days? What challenged you the most?

It wasn’t easy at the start. I was overweight and not as fit as I thought I was! Having my bestie with me made it easier. Eventually we were ready to start classes (or so we thought!) but the first HIIT class was so hard! I still find HIIT a challenge but think I’m getting better! I then ventured to the strength gym and absolutely love it! 

Were there any changes you made that were enjoyable or easy straight away?

I have now taken part in two challenges. The first was a six-week challenge and I enjoyed the discipline and repetitiveness of the food. I stuck to the plan 100% and saw the weight disappearing. I found the second challenge a little more difficult and did have a few off-plan meals. The weight did not continue to fall as quickly, so at times I was discouraged but the weekly check-ins with Ryan were my saviour. He has such a positive attitude to everything. A little email from him always lifts my day and helps me re-focus on my goals.

How long did it take for you to feel changes?  

As soon as I started the challenge I saw the numbers dropping on the scales.  I didn’t immediately see the changes in myself but felt I was getting fitter and that I was lifting heavier.

It took the whole first challenge to really see changes in myself. I focused on the parts that needed the most change and forgot to notice the parts that had changed. Friends and family noticed the changes before I did as I was (and still am) focused on the things I am still wanting to change.

Please tell us about the changes you've experienced - weight loss, muscle gain, training gains, mindset shifts and lifestyle?  

The biggest changes I have seen are in my dexa scan results. If anyone is wondering if it’s worth having a dexa scan, 100% do it, you will not regret it! I had a dexa scan before my first challenge and found the numbers very confronting. I was sitting in the overweight range and my visceral fat was extremely high, as was my body fat.  

I have had two dexa scans since then. My visceral fat has gone from 613g to 0g. My body fat percentage has dropped from 39.5% to 25%. My bone density and muscle mass have increased even though I have been mostly in a calorie deficit! 

I now sit in the ‘normal’ weight range and ‘lean’ body fat percentage range. I am so proud of myself and just want to keep improving. I can definitely lift heavier and believe my techniques are improving. Oh and by the way, I’m now 64!

How are you maintaining everything now?! You look so fit and fabulous!  

I find the maintenance the most difficult. I struggle adding extra food and feel guilty when I go off plan. I have had an eating disorder for over 30 years and know that this will not disappear overnight. I have lost weight before, but have always put it back on plus interest so my weight has gradually increased over the past 30 years even though I have been ‘dieting’ for a large portion of that time.

This is the leanest and fittest I have been for many years and I am determined to keep the weight off. I am definitely a work in progress and know that my mindset needs more work.

What do you love most about your new health and fitness routine?  

I love the routine, the food and the discipline. I love all the new people I have met at BBR and I even love the trainers (most of the time!). I love my fitter, leaner body and I love the compliments I’ve been receiving. I love feeling stronger and love the little muscles I can see starting to peep through!

Do you have any upcoming goals you're now working on? 

I would like to lose a few more kilos and then start working on increasing my lean muscle to get my metabolism firing. I would also like to firm things up. 

Any final words to share?

I can’t believe it took me so long to join BBR. It really has been a life changer for me. The trainers and other members are so friendly and encouraging. I feel so happy to be part of the BBR family. I can’t thank Ryan and the other trainers enough for all that they give. Their praise and words of encouragement mean so much. 

And then there’s my bestie Nola. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without her. She’s always there by my side encouraging me.  How lucky am I?

FAST FIVE

Fave HIIT/Strength station? 

DB bent over row.

Least fave?  

Sissy squats and ass bike.

Fave café and your order there? 

 Market Space - decaf long black.

Fave cheat meal?  

Anything bread or chocolate based!

Fave holiday destination? 

Spain because our son lives there.